It’s an exciting time to be a Bobcat. Last year, an overwhelming majority of voters in the Bowling Green district chose to support our schools and make a historic investment in future generations.
Our new superintendent, Dr. Ted Haselman, hit the ground running and we’re already seeing positive results. It was recently announced, for example, that Dr. Haselman and his team had successfully negotiated $18.6 million in savings on the sale of bonds for our new high school. We’re also seeing a concerted effort to improve communication with the entire BGCS community. That includes hosting board meetings in rural areas, regular “coffee chats” with the superintendent, and daily communication with parents and community members about the many positive things happening in our city schools. This is exactly the type of experience and leadership we need at this critical moment.
While the details have yet to be decided, our district’s five-year forecast suggests BGCS voters will have another choice this November on the trajectory of our public schools. This year our community will be asked to support an operating levy. This levy will be funded by income tax, and – despite rising costs each year – it will be the District’s first request for new operating funds in more than a decade.
Although some of the details are yet to be decided, what’s already clear is that Bowling Green ranks far below neighboring districts when it comes to funding the operations of our schools. Our school district income tax rate is currently 0.5% compared to 1% in Otsego, Gibsonburg, and Eastwood; 1.25% in Elmwood and North Baltimore; 1.5% in McComb and Lakota; and 1.75% in Patrick Henry. With more than 80% of our operating budget going toward personnel, this funding is vital if we hope to keep class sizes small, maintain course offerings, and offer competitive salaries for our teachers and support staff.
As a group of parents, young professionals, and local business owners, we continue to believe our schools — and especially our teachers and staff — are one of the best investments our community can make. We look forward to learning more about the options for this upcoming levy, gathering feedback from the community, and supporting this necessary investment in November.
Amy Simmons, Hub Group Inc.
Andy Newlove, Newlove Realty, Inc.
Christina Spitler, Wonderland of Learning School Age Center
Jeff Dennis, Bowling Green City Council
Joe Higgins, Kenwood Parent
Nathaniel E. Spitler, Spitler Huffman, LLP
Rachel Phipps, Bowling Green City Council
Ryan Phipps, Phipps, Shevlin, Hebeka Family Dentistry, Ltd.
Trevor Jessee, BGHS Parent
Will Airhart, Crim Parent
